A Path Not Known - 22 January 2009

Adolph Hitler chose to believe that Jews were diabolical, a force for evil, and the cause of many of the troubles of Europe.  So he planned their extermination.  At first they were herded into labour camps where they were worked and starved to death. But when Germany faced possible defeat these became death camps.  It is estimated that 67% of European Jews were killed before the war ended.

Perhaps you watched the latest “Diary of Anne Frank” series on television, so you know how some tried to hide away with the help of friends who risked their own lives. But some escaped through the help of a network of brave, committed individuals who managed to get the terrified Jews to safety.  They were hidden under the noses of the Nazis and, under cover of darkness, led along highways and byways known only to their helpers until they reached safety.

“Your pathway led through the sea, your pathway through the mighty waters – a pathway no-one knew was there!”

Psalm 77: 19

Psalm 77 was written by Asaph in the depths of despair.  He couldn’t sleep, or pray, or get answers to his questions.  He couldn’t get a response from God and concluded that “the blessings of the most High have changed to hatred” (Ps. 77: 10).  But then he recalled the great events of Jewish history, particularly the Exodus from Egypt and the miraculous pathway through the Red Sea.

It is good, and important, for us to remember that when things look dark and all hope is virtually gone, that God knows a path of rescue and mercy that no-one else knows is there. Although very few of us will have lived through such dramatic circumstances as described above, I am sure that many of us will have been in the depths of despair, depression, or danger, only to be led to safety along some unknown path by God’s unerring hand.  Always, when God is leading, the path unknown leads to the safe house of his warm and loving embrace.

Reach out for God’s hand and follow the path not known.